Kolleen Youker

Kolleen Kay Youker, 76, of Garner, NC passed away peacefully on Monday May 26, 2025, at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh, NC because of a massive brain aneurysm.

Kolleen was born in Saginaw, Michigan to Burton and Lila Neumeyer. Kolleen is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Jim Youker; son, Jimmy Youker and wife Christine Youker; a brother, Gary Neumeyer and his wife Brenda Neumeyer; a grandson, Maddox James Youker; granddaughter Ava Youker Goodman and husband, Jordan Goodman who are expecting a baby in Late July, Keegan Silas Goodman.

Kolleen graduated from Buena Vista High School in 1967 and later attended Saginaw Valley College. While working at Montgomery Ward Kollen met the love of her life, Jim, and they were married on October 11, 1969. They soon welcomed their son, Jimmy, born September 10 th, 1970. A lifetime of traveling started as Jim joined the US Coast Guard. Kolleen and Jim were afforded the opportunity to live in many places including Miami, Florida, Kodiak, Alaska, Searchlight, Nevada, Honolulu, Hawaii, Cheboygan, Michigan, and Elizabeth City, North Carolina. As they traveled, Kolleen began her career as a civil servant and worked for various departments. Kolleen retired after 31years as the Administrative Assistant to the comptroller of the supply department at the aircraft repair and supply center in Elizabeth City, NC.

Kolleen was active in different organizations throughout her career. Kolleen was the local President and then was elected National President of the Chief Perry Officers Association Auxiliary. At the time of her passing, Kolleen was the secretary of the North Carolina Friends of Santa. This 501(c)(3) is a non-profit organization that helps children affected by natural disasters. Kolleen also enjoyed her role as Mrs. Claus to Jim's role as Santa.

Kolleen enjoyed various past times including traveling, working in the flower garden, playing cards, and watching TV. Kolleen was most happy when spending time with family and friends. She cherished the grandma/Grammy relationship she shared with Ava and Maddox. Kolleen was looking forward to being a Great Grandmother "Gi Gi" soon.

Kolleen took great pride and joy watching Jimmy and Christine raise Maddox to be a respectful, kind, and loving young man. She was looking forward to watching Ava and Jordan's journey into parenthood. 

Kolleen will be greatly missed by all who know her. Heaven is a much richer and glorious place by her being there.

Finally, Thank You for being my wife...You've made me so very happy...Love you forever and a day.

You may pay your respects to Kollen at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Rd. Garner, NC 27529. Visitation will be Saturday May 31, from 10:00am-11:45am. Service to follow in the Chapel at 12:00. Attendees are invited to join us for a fellowship lunch immediately following the service at Angie's Wagon Wheel Restaurant, 1340 W Garner Rd. Garner, NC 27529.